Spanish filmmaker Berlanga dies

MADRID – A Spanish filmmaker critical of the military dictatorship under Gen. Francisco Franco and who was credited with helping to revive the country’s movie industry after its civil war died Saturday.

Luis Garcia Berlanga had Alzheimer’s disease and died at his home in Madrid, according to Spain’s film academy, of which he was an honorary president and co-founder. He was 89.

Born in the eastern city of Valencia, Berlanga wrote and directed his first short in 1948 and in 1951 made his first feature film, “Esa Pareja Feliz,” (“That Happy Couple”) in collaboration with Juan Antonio Bardem, father of Hollywood actor Javier Bardem.

He was also a contemporary and friend of iconic director Luis Bunuel.

“Along with Bunuel, he is one of the most important filmmakers of all time,” said Alex de la Iglesia, the president of Spain’s film academy. “His films ‘Placido’ and ‘El Verdugo’ (‘The Executioner’) are two of Spain’s best movies, and Berlanga is one of the most important directors in the world.”

Berlanga’s 1953 film “Bienvenido, Mister Marshall” (“Welcome, Mr. Marshall”) explored Spain’s hopes that the United States would help the country restore democracy and prosperity as it had in much of Europe after World War II. The 1947-1951 program was devised to aid postwar reconstruction.

Here at MaineToday Media we value our readers and are committed to growing our community by encouraging you to add to the discussion.

To ensure conscientious dialogue we have implemented a strict no-bullying policy. To participate, you must follow our Terms of Use. Click here to flag and report a comment that violates our terms of use.